We are walking down the street. I am not aware of how others see my eyes. I learned later that they are pretty. I am an eleven year old country girl.

Mama! Why do you slap me like that?

Hold your head down girl and stop looking in that man's face.

You always facing somebody with them eyes. Them eyes gonna get you in trouble one of these days.

You just wait and see, and don't come running to me. I'm telling you now if you git big you will have to find some place else to live!

No more chaps will be raised in this house.

I wonder why mama keeps slapping me. I wonder what is wrong with my eyes. Why come I gotta get big and find someplace to live...

and what is a chap?